Central to make POCSO gender neutral

Central government is going to amend POCSO to give death penalty for sexual assault on boys under 12. The union women and children development ministry is set to move seeking approval of cabinet regarding this. This move will make the PCSO gender neutral.

Last week president has signed in the amendment of Protection of Children from Sexual Offence saying sexual assault on below 12 year old girl will be awarded death penalty. Section 376 which mentions the word “woman” is amended. To correct this, the WCD ministry has finalised the proposal to amend sections 4, 5 and 6 of the POCSO Act, which will make rape committed against “any child” below 12 punishable with the death penalty.